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What is Labor Pain?

Labor pain has been described as one of the most severe pains felt by women. If you are a pregnant woman awaiting delivery, you would want to know all about labor pain and how to reduce it. This is article is meant for you. Read on to learn all about labor pain.

Causes of Labor Pain
During labor, the cervix is stretched and comes under pressure. Women feel cramping sensations in the back and upper thighs. During labor, there is plenty of pressure on ligaments, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The baby’s head pushes against the bladder and bowels during his descent through the pelvis. This can cause a lot of pain.

How to Reduce Labor Pain
You can use massage, counter-pressure or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to reduce labor pain. Psychological methods can also be useful. Listen to relaxing and soothing music, take deep breaths and look at calming sights or your loved ones. These are just a few techniques that can be used to cope with labor pain.

Exercise During Pregnancy
Childbirth preparation classes teach stretches that improve posture and the functioning of the uterus muscles. You can also try to do aerobic exercises during pregnancy, as they provide numerous benefits. By performing aerobic exercises you can relieve stress, alleviate pains and aches, and build stamina. Aerobic exercise can even shorten your labor and make the experience less painful. Research reveals that women who exercise during their pregnancy report less labor pain than sedentary women.

A physically fit woman is also likely to recover faster after childbirth. For pregnant women, cycling, walking and swimming are the ideal aerobic exercises. But, before starting any exercise regimen, consult your doctor first, especially if you suffer from medical issues like high blood pressure.
Precautions for Pregnant Women
Though exercise is recommended to reduce labor pain, pregnant women should heed the following precautions while exercising:

Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats a minute while exercising.